Shanell Walker was in Grand Central station heading to the Apple store when she discovered a MAC outpost on the way. “I came in with my mind set on one thing,” says Walker, “and walked out with four different things, none of which was what I came in for!” The 20-year-old spends about $150 annually on beauty products. “I’m not really a makeup person,” says Walker. “But I’m trying.”

STUDIO TECH IN NC50, $31 After a sales associate applied this to Walker’s face, she liked the way it looked.TOTAL SPENT: $112.00

REPORT CARD:

What grade would you give the store? AHow was the product selection? Excellent

How was the staff’s knowledge of products? Excellent

How was your overall experience? Excellent

SHOPPER: Edgar Renovales

DATE/TIME: 9.17.2013, 8:22 a.m.

STORE: L’Occitane

Commuting from Connecticut to work in the city, Edgar Renovales made a pit stop at L’Occitane to restock some favorites. “The [customer service] here is excellent,” says Renovales.“There’s customer recognition, so there’s a sense of connectivity and loyalty.” The 52-year-old senior vice president of store planning at Valentino has been a L’Occitane customer for about 10 years and spends around $4,000 annually on beauty—not including manicures and pedicures.WHAT’S IN HIS BAG:

CRÈME DIVINE À L’IMMORTELLE BIOLOGIQUE, $106 Renovales has used this cream before and needed to restock his supply.

LOTION DIVINE À L’IMMORTELLE BIOLOGIQUE, $54 Renovales decided to add the lotion into his regimen since he has seen positive results with the crème.

REGARD DIVIN À L’IMMORTELLE BIOLOGIQUE, $76 After learning that the three Divine products work in tandem, Renovales added this, too.

EAU DE L’OCCITAN EAU DE TOILETTE FOR MEN, $52 EACH Renovales bought four bottles of his favorite scent. “All my friends ask what cologne I wear,” he says. “I tell them I have it specially made.”

TOTAL SPENT: $444.00

REPORT CARD:

What grade would you give the store? AHow was the product selection? Excellent